Concrete Pumping Calculator
Real output, pour duration and the truck fleet needed to keep the pump fed.
Inputs
Result
Formula
| Real output | Q = Q_theoretical × efficiency |
| Duration | t = V ÷ Q |
| Trucks per hour | n = Q ÷ truck capacity |
| Fleet | N = ceil(n × cycle ÷ 60) |
| Arrival interval | Δt = 60 ÷ n minutes |
100 m³ with a 60 m³/h pump at 0.6 efficiency, 9 m³ trucks and a 40-minute cycle: 36 m³/h real output, 2.78 hours of placing, 4 trucks per hour, 3 trucks needed (4 recommended) arriving every 15 minutes.
FAQ
Why an efficiency factor of 0.6?
Rated output assumes full load and an ideal pipeline. Real work loses time to set-up, flushing, moving the line, waiting for trucks and voltage swings, so 50-70% is typical. Pressure losses add up as roughly 1 m per 10 m of horizontal pipe and 1 m per 3 m of vertical — long lines can drop to 0.4.
What happens if I under-supply trucks?
The pump stops and waits. With ordinary concrete setting in 4-6 hours, a 30-minute wait forces constant reverse pumping and grout addition, and over an hour is effectively a cold joint with reduced strength and watertightness. One spare truck is cheaper than an idle pump: an hour of pump standing time costs far more than an extra load.
How do height and distance affect pump choice?
Every 3 m of lift equals about 1 m of horizontal pressure loss, and 100 m of horizontal pipe loses roughly 10 m of head, plus 3-5 m per bend. Boom pumps are limited by boom length; beyond about 30 storeys or 200 m horizontally you need a trailer pump with a relay. Compute the equivalent pipe length before choosing a pump.
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Results are estimating aids only and are not a design basis. Construction and final accounts must follow the drawings, the applicable standards and an approved method statement. Anything affecting structural safety, shoring or falsework must be checked by a suitably qualified engineer.